Monday, March 22, 2010

Well, I wish I could say I experience this sort of enthusiasm when it comes to doing laundry (and, probably dear hubby does, too)!

Or, felt this sweet and darling as I wash each little item...

And look...doesn't she look almost blissful?

Do you think she knew this would be the laundry room of the future?

Perhaps she is so content, it wouldn't really matter...

con·tent2 /kənˈtɛnt/ Show Spelled[kuhn-tent]

–adjective1.satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

I am content (and grateful) to have a laundry room, with a working washer and dryer and practical cabinetry. Yes, I did use the word practical...don't laugh...I REALLY mean it! (For those of you who do not know me REAL well, "practical" has not always been one of my strongest gifts ;p).

My laundry room has zero personality. And, honestly, it's not very inspiring to spend too much time in there. It's not bad...it's just blah...

I decided a few days ago to take the blank canvas and do something.

No, didn't really think it through...just unloaded everything. Cleaned down to the baseboards...

Then began to really think how this small space could be used to it's maximum potential for us.

I started with the baker's pantry....

BEFORE

AFTER

Whew, that felt good!

Next thought was to look for a little bling...something to brighten it up a little.

So, pulled out the paint...added a stripe (glossy to reflect the light)...

Sunday, March 21, 2010

We spent the weekend with our precious daughter Nicole and her husband John. It was Nicole's birthday weekend (last one in her twenties)...so it was extra special!

Any time with our kids or family is just the best. But this weekend, Daddy got to help his little girl with a few chores. You know - he never outgrows loving being Daddy. I hope he never changes...I hope she always will be his little girl.

So, as a team, we all went to embellishing (I just love that word)...their beautiful home...(perhaps "we" is a little all inclusive, I mainly just took pictures ;p)...

Riley supervised...

And as her Daddy says...In the blink of an eye...

To her newest role: Auntie Nicole

We celebrate Nicole on her 29th birthday...

And can't wait to be part of the next "blink of an eye"...

We know God's plan for her is perfect, and thank him daily for this sweet girl

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

This is one of those posts that will make my dear hubby very nervous...(again) ;p!

Never blessed as a "birth" mom, I always yearned for children.

I've been blessed that many have "shared" their children: my husband, my sister, my brother, my friends and my community.

I am the person in the stands (at any event...even when you are supposed to be quiet) that cheers for EVERY kiddo. It fills that "not a mommy" void in my heart, when I can "be loud" for the kiddo that has no one cheering for them. No, not because they are the best one out on the field, on the stage, or on the court...because every child deserves to have a "loud" hero. A "love out loud" champion in their world...and sometimes, the silence for some is deafening.

Years ago I began to spend time on a website that helped me, yet again, fill that "not a mommy" hole in my heart. That part of my heart that was reserved just to be a mommy - and on this website, I found kiddos that needed a mommy. They really need a family...

You see photos of the kids and learn so much about each of them, individually and as a family.

I visit the site, I look at each child and their needs, and I pray for them by name. And I can't tell you the joy it brings me when I visit the next day, week or month, and notice that child, or that family of children have found their "forever" families. I love the feeling of knowing those children will be loved, and I love the feeling of knowing a mommy and daddy will have those "holes" in their hearts filled.

And who could resist....

OR...

Yes, these are children that are waiting...right now. There are hundreds, and many individual children are waiting...all alone...no brothers, no sisters...no one.

There are so many children, even in your own community, that need a home, a hero, or a champion. Have you seen the movie "The Blind Side"? 'Nuff said...

If adoption (or fostering) is not for you...would you just spend a few minutes of your day to spread hope for these kiddos? Whether you choose to pray, to post or to tell someone who is ready to consider adoption...it will all be time well spent.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What a great day! House smells clean and fresh, Spring is definitely in the air (my allergies are killin' me)!

What I have learned since I posted the photos of the pillows I got at the Estate Sale...

is that many of you are very impatient ;p!

So, just for you (playing the not real guilt card here / 'cause I REALLY wanted to do it), I ripped off the bedding in our master bedroom, and began to layer...

and layer...

and layer...

until...

Oh, yes, it feels so fresh and springlike and comfy and...

best thing is...I LOVE having my Grandmother's chenille popcorn bedspreads (layered one for the "dust ruffle") and her quilt on this bed. It "feels" like home.

(Thanks Mom for saving them for me...)

And it's all finished just in time for Metamorphosis Monday...thanks Susan @ Between Naps On the Porch for letting me participate again! If you want to see fantastic transformations...click here (and come back to see me again soon)!